My top three gift recommendations

1. Cuff links- When your father puts these on for a special occasion, you will always remain present, leaving a lasting impression.

luxury24-7.com

luxury24-7.com

2. A vintage Time Piece- Men’s watches are like a woman’s handbag. The bigger and blinged out, the better in this area. Let your hair down and bring your own sense of style into your purchase for dad. For the style conscious man, take a risk! Incorporate a mixed metal wrist watch into his wardrobe.

luxury24-7.com

3. Ties- Play it safe but keep it luxe this Father’s Day. If your dad is a fashion conscious gentleman, he knows that man needs a plethora of ties and will appreciate the newest addition to his collection. On the other hand, even if he does not own a single tie, you can use this opportunity to help his wardrobe out.

luxury24-7.com

Use Coupon Code FAIRDAD online for 15% off!

1. Fair Trade Breakfast Blend Coffee | 2. Handmade Coffee Mug | 3. MEN’s Soap  |
4. Wooden Eyeglass Holder | 5. Big Daddy Marshmallows | 6. Bike Chain Bottle Opener

Gifting solutions for you, busy day solutions for him…

Crack of Dawn

How does your dad start his day? If it’s with coffee, you’re in luck! We offer a variety of coffees ranging from smooth, creamy blends to bold, fruity roasts. We even carry the only certified fair trade, organic, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) “Bird Friendly”® shade-grown coffee from Birds and Beans. Pick up a pound and one of our beautiful mugs and you will have created a whole new outlook on his “dreadful” Monday mornings. And he can listen to this story on NPR about his feel-good coffee while he enjoys his first sip.

Or maybe he starts his day with an awakening shower? If so, we’ve still got you covered! Our men’s line of fair trade Maroma soaps & fragrances are only made with natural ingredients. They great for the body and leave behind a refreshing, subtle scent. The three genuine scents are Cedar Lavender for a smooth and relaxing feel, Olibanum Citrus to revitalize and exfoliate, and Tonka Vetiver for a soft yet invigorating experience. Splash on some essential fragrance and he’s set for the whole day!

Getting Ready to Leave

Where does the hunt for his glasses end?! Right here! Pick up one of our trendy, humorous, and above all, functional wooden eye-glass holders. His reading glasses will be right where he expects them. Perfect for a stylish pair of sunglasses as well! An excellent combo gift.

Mid-Day Pick-Me-Up at Work

Theo Chocolate, handcrafted right here in the states but made with fairly-traded cocoa sourced from farms all over the world, offers a confection sure to blow his tastes buds away! The Big Daddy Confections contain a crumbly graham cracker crust, a buttery layer of caramel, and fluffy marshmallow covered in dark chocolate and topped with an alderwood smoked chocolate finish. (Shop our entire selection of Theo Chocolate)

Or, introduce him to our newest collection of chocolate – Madécasse (available in our Stony Brook location, and all stores soon!) Made entirely in Madagascar, the exotic nature of this chocolate is sure to please. Even the dark options upward of 70 to 80 percent cocoa content are smooth and full of robust flavor.

Relaxing Finish to His Day

Ahh, he can finish off the day with an ice-cold beer – pick out a six-pack of his favorite! But how will he ever open that bottle?! If he has one of our recycled bike-chain bottle openers, he’ll have no problem. Another perfect combo gift. Hang it somewhere in the house – doubles as a fun decoration! (And we promise it won’t slither away). Snag a Theo Beer  & Chocolate Pairing Kit too and you’ve got a a great gift for any beer lover!

Thanks to Ben, our in-house expert on Men’s Fair Trade items, for his Father’s Day gift guide.

Any Men’s items you’d love to see us carry?  Let us know in the comments below and Ben will investigate – he’s always on the hunt for more great Fair Trade products for men!

‘living breathing elegance’ by WavicleWays

‘Colbat Surprises’ by Glamour365

My dad grew up in the 50′s and 60′s. Fiscally, my father is fairly strict, and maybe yours is too. Largely, I’ve heard him utter mantras like “You don’t need that!”. Trivial items rarely had a place in his household growing up. This mentality is reflected in his attitude towards the gifts he receives today.

Wine/Food

That’s why good food or wine always makes for a ripe gift for Father’s Day. My dad is the type of person to buy ANYTHING at the supermarket if it’s on sale. “But Dad, no one likes anchovies here,” we’d say, and in reply he’d utter “It doesn’t matter they were 2 dollars!” Likewise, sustenance is a gift he can get behind.

As our parents age, health becomes more and more a concern. And though I can’t fully speak to the health benefits of it, wine makes a great gift.

A nice gift I think would be this Iceless Wine Chiller, Very simple design and easy to use, when dad is drowning in anti-oxidants, he can do so with some nicely-chilled vino.

With that fine wine you’ll need some grub too. My dad’s culinary skills notwithstanding, barbeque is the quintessential dad dish. Good grilling can be an art form, and every great artist needs his brush.

A nice grilling tool kit can really serve two purposes. One, it gives your dad a nice kit to use, but also you might get a free cheeseburger out of it.

Sports

Growing up, sports were always on TV. My dad was such a big Yankees fan that my middle name is Mantle after the iconic Yankees center fielder. Needless to say, the man likes to relax on the couch and watch his team play.

I really enjoyed reading Moneyball, and even if your dad isn’t the biggest sport’s fan, it’s as much about seeing the world differently as it is about baseball. I highly suggest it!

Clothing

I’d be remiss if I made a Father’s Day post and not include some clothing. Classic, timeless but still on trend, it’s important to keep your father looking stylish without looking like a member of One Direction.

Classic Sperry‘s are always a great gift for Dad’s Day. Perfect for the summer and always in vogue, these leather kicks are something the adult and the kid in your dad will love.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers are iconic shades that your dad might have had when he was still cool, back in the day. Harken to the glasses of yesteryear with this staple eye-wear.

If all else fails, tell your dad you love him. And maybe give him a card with money in it…

I did want to share some fun handmade items I found on Etsy; you can be certain that no matter how busy I am, there is a way for me to troll for cool handmade items                                                 

This tee from Scatterbrain Tees on Etsy would be perfect for the hip Dad who has everything. This shop is too cool for words and has a great selection of items for Dad!    

What a great gift for the hip Dad!

This sculpture would be a great gift for the arty Dad who loves mid-century, modern decor.

Look at the amazing sculpture from Cool Stuff Art Gallery- Christine makes such cool, mid-century inspired art. What Dad wouldn’t love an original piece such as this?  

Now here is a great gift for the practical Dad; a handmade writing pen by DesignerPens on Etsy. Randy makes incredible pens using woods and acrylics.

Handmade Pen for the Practical Dad

Maybe you have a Dad who loves to look put-together and puts a lot of thought into his wardrobe; the dapper Dad. Here is a tie-tack that will add a perfect touch to his look.   

The Dapper Dad will love dressing up his outfit with this tie-tack/lapel pin

I hope that these fun, handmade items have given you some inspiration- I intend to show some more finds soon.

The Prepared For Anything Dad

Alternative energy sources are a great mix of gadget and preparedness.  Whether Dad enjoys camping, or is busy preparing to provide for his family during the apocalypse (or the occasional power outage), this gear will fulfill his power needs.

Goal Zero Guardian 12V Solar Recharging Kit & Nomad - $199.95

Dad can keep his 12V batteries charged and ready to go for when you need them most. The Guardian 12V Charge Controller plus Goal Zero Solar Panel is the perfect system to protect your batteries when they’re not in use.

Power Pot – $149

All it takes is some boiling water to keep the electronics powered!

Goal Zero Nomad 7M - $79.99

The Nomad 7 delivers an ultra-compact yet powerful solar panel that enables you to charge your handheld devices directly from its USB and 12 Volt DC charging ports. 30% smaller than comparable panels and 14 times more powerful than closest competitor. Use with Guide 10 to power your devices when solar is not available. Please Note: In order to get the best charge from the sun, open up the panel BEFORE plugging your device in.

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus - $39.99

Freedom from the outlet Ultra lightweight USB solar charging system that fits in your pocket. Use as a single unit power pack to power your device or as a power source to recharge the batteries for use in any AA or AAA battery powered device. What is the difference between the Guide 10 and the Guide 10 Plus? The Guide 10 Plus has a 1.0 Amp USB capable of powering iPad.  Charge AA/AAA batteries from the sun in 6 hrs with Nomad 3.5 solar panel or 2 hours from the Nomad 7.

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit & Nomad 7 - $119.95

The Always In The Woods Dad

If your Dad is the type to spend more time in the woods than anywhere else – or at least spends his time wishing he was in the woods, we’ve got you covered.

Covert MP6 Trail Camera - $149.99

High quality trail camera from Covert so Dad can capture all the action when he’s busy at home.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS D-Tour Black, Bear Grylls Edition – $124.99

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Point 5 Gray/Digital – $95.99

Pick up a Backtrack GPS for Dad to make sure he always returns from his adventures safely!

Leupold BX-2 Acadia Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42mm, Black - $199.99

Help make sure Dad spots everything he’s looking for.

The Technology Dad

Browning Multi-Tip Car Charger - $24.99

Make sure Dad’s gadgets are always ready to go and keep him in touch.

Goal Zero Rock-Out Speakers - $29.99

A portable, rechargeable speaker for your MP3 player, laptop, or phone. We’ve got it in multiple colors (maybe save the pink for Mom though?). It’s perfect for hiking, boating, golfing, or any other time Dad might want to rock out – he’s still young at heart you know!

A Few Extras

Browning Microblast Light/Knife Combo – $24.99

Browning Stainless Mug – $12.99

Nite Ize Buglit Red, Red Legs/Black Feet – $12.99

Stop by Gear and More for even MORE great gift ideas for Dad, and pick something up for yourself!

Here are some fun facts about June.

#1 Its birthflowers are honeysuckle and rose.
#2 Its zodiac signs are Gemini until 20th and then, Cancer.
#3 May 16th is Father’s Day in the United States, the United Kingdom and several other countries.

I’ve created this gift guide, filled with handmade lovely paper goods.Product links: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |

Gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays…or just to show some love!

xx

]]> http://giftingwhisperer.com/2013/06/01/something-new-at-gifting-whisperer/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:58:01 +0000 jmkstock http://giftingwhisperer.com/2013/06/01/something-new-at-gifting-whisperer/
I’m very excited to talk about this new way of sharing my gift ideas with you! It’s called Glossi and so far I have a few issues already published with a few more on the way.

Glossi lets me turn my content into digital magazines, like this one on Summer Party Hostess Gift Ideas (featured above), and they really take a totally different shape and tone. I LOVE making them…I’m seriously addicted. What’s more, there are some really cool content creators making their own digital magazines on all sorts of topics and being ridiculously creative–check out Nina Garcia, Olivia Palermo, Lucky Magazine and categories like food, kids and family and lots more so do check them out online and on the App Store.

Related Links:
Offerings: A New Category
What’s This All About
First Time Gifts: Buying For A New Boyfriend or Girlfriend
6 Really Cool Stationery Ideas

NextStepU is so excited to bring you a summer full of giveaways! We’ve scoured the globe looking for fun and useful gifts for the grads, as well as great dorm gear too good to pass up.

Let’s kick this off right with 6 big prizes from ColcaSac. If you don’t know ColcaSac, you’ll be glad you do now!

ColcaSac specializes in protective sleeves for Apple and Kindle devices that are both functional and fashionable. Unlike most cases and covers out there, their products are handmade with naturally durable and robust materials such as hemp, bamboo and burlap. They are incredibly strong yet soft to the touch and protect your gear in style with less impact to the Earth when compared to neoprene and plastic counterparts.

ColcaSac is happily providing the following giveaways for NextStepU readers:
• (1) macbook sleeve
• (2) ipad sleeves
• (3) iphone sleeves

To qualify for the giveaway, contestants can do the following:

1. Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/colcasac

2. Share a photo of your favorite ColcaSac product on your FB wall. You can grab the photo from the website, blog or FB page and then tag “ColcaSac” in your post. The post should explain why you like ColcaSac.

3. Follow on Twitter: @colcasac

4. Tweet about your favorite ColcaSac product with a link to the website and the hashtag #MustHaveColcaSac

The best of the Facebook post and Tweets will have a chance to win one of the 6 prizes. Leave a comment here on this blog post to let us know you stopped by and entered! And if you are feeling particularly friendly, you can also include a link to your social post so we can see it. 

Sound good? Let’s get creative and send out that love for ColcaSac! I know you’ll just love your prize!

Thanks again to ColcaSac for sharing their amazing products with NextStepU readers! Remember to check back every Friday for a new Summer Giveaway. We have GiftCard.com, Keurig, DormCo.com and Co-Ed Supply waiting in the wings to share amazing prizes with you!

> Don’t forget to also read NextStepU’s annual Graduation Gift Guide article and Dorm Gear Guide article. 

Sailor, hunter, pit master – you name it, we’ve got you covered. For each one of our men out there, regardless of what they’re in to, Blackhunt has carefully scoured the globe for gift ideas for this upcoming Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17th). These are just a few of our latest faves, but do continue to browse around our site for other pretty awesome kills.

1. RH Concorde Jet Model – $449

2. Fortis B-47 Big Black Watch – $3,495

3. Sand Fragrance Collection by Base – $18 – $55

4. Assouline’s Beken of Cowes: The Art of Sailing – $695

5. Hermes Weather Station – $3,400

6. Ursa Major Gift Set – $50

7. Tumi Alpha Bravo Leather Backpack – $369

8. The Kingman Yoder Smoker – $2,669

Crafting up the perfect Father’s Day gift is easier (and often cheaper) than you think.  Check out some of these ideas!

Desk Organizer for Dad

Help Dad sort office supplies in style with this neat desk organizer.

What You Need:

• 3 aluminum cans
• DecoArt no-prep metal paint (3 colors)
• Sponge brushes
• Dishwashing glove (optional)
• Colored rubber bands
• 3 metal-rimmed tags
• Crayons
• 2 small binder clips

Directions:

1. Paint 3 empty aluminum cans with no-prep metal paint; set aside to dry. (Make it clean and easy by wearing a dishwashing glove to hold the can while your child paints.)

2. Stretch colored rubber bands around the body of each can. Crisscross them for a more abstract look, or follow the can’s grooves to create evenly spaced stripes.

3. Let your child write d-a-d, one letter per tag. Loop a rubber band through the hole and wrap it around the can. Use binder clips to hold the cans together.

Dad Rocks Salt Dough Personalized Paperweight

Rock, fabric, scissors and — craft! Turn a stone from the yard into a personalized paperweight for Dad.

What you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup water
• bowl
• cookie sheet
• 1/2 cup pea gravel

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

2. Mix flour, salt and water together in a bowl. If dough is too sticky add small amounts of flour until it is doughy and pliable. Be careful not to add too much as the dough will dry out and your creation will crack.

3. Shape a piece of the dough into a ball in your hands. Place the ball on the cookie sheet and flatten to about 1/2″ thickness.

4. Carefully select pieces of pea gravel to spell out “DAD ROCKS”. Press them firmly but gently into the salt dough.

5. Bake your paperweight for 2-2.5 hours until completely dry.

Remove from oven and allow to cool before handling or removing from cookie sheet.

Optional: You can spray your creation with acrylic sealer or paint it with a clear coat sealer.

Peekaboo Letters Father’s Day Card

What you’ll need:

• 2 pieces of cardstock or construction paper (colors do not have to match)
• 3 different colored or patterned papers (or have kids color white paper with markers or crayons)
• Scissors
• White craft glue
• Craft knife

Directions:

1. Choose which piece of cardstock will be your card and fold it in half.

2. Use a pencil to write the letters D A D in block letters down the front of the card diagonally.

3. Open the card and place it on a cutting board. Have an adult use a craft knife to carefully trace the outline of the letters and gently pop them out of the card. Set the pop out pieces aside, do not discard.

4. Place the card on the work surface so that the front of the card is facing up. Hold the patterned papers under the card cover to help you decide which patterns to use for each letter. Once you have decided, glue them in place, checking the front to make sure they look good. You may need to trim your patterned paper in certain spots if the overlap.

5. Open the card and lay it flat so that the front if now facing down onto the work surface. Take the second piece of cardstock and trim it to fit onto the inside of the card. This will hide the patterned papers from view when the card is opened. Glue it in place.

6. Position the card with the front facing up again. Take the pop outs from the letters and trim out the center piece of the D’s and the A. Glue them on the front of the card in the appropriate places.

7. Allow your card to dry them write a nice message for dad inside!

What will your kids be making dad for Father’s Day? – Cute Beltz

, by thewhitepepper

via http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewhitepepper

I am a total geek girl. I admit I have collected comics, own a phone, tablet and laptop, love learning back end computer stuff and write in code. It’s a dirty secret I have come to terms with. That’s why when this dropped into my inbox I became obsessed.

This little joy is the Pocket Monkey. Designed by a mechanical engineer, Nate Barr this baby has everything you need in a utility tool:

• Bottle Opener: No need to carry around a bulky, keychain bottle opener.
• Phone Kickstand: Interact with only one hand and keep your phone at a comfortable working angle.
• Flat head screwdriver: Perfect for simple projects when a standard screwdriver isn’t available.
• Micro-flathead screwdriver: Perfect for eyeglasses, watches, kids’ toys and keyless vehicle dongles.
• Two-dimensional Phillips head screwdriver: No need for cross beam with the special angled tip.
• Nested English hex wrenches with four bolt sizes: Just slide Pocket Monkey over a bolt head and slide until you find the right size. Quick and easy.
• English Ruler: What’s the difference between 3/16 and 1/4 of an inch? Find out quickly.
• Letter opener: Make quick work of your mail pile!
• Edge to open door latches: Locked your keys inside your house? If the deadbolt’s not in place, this latch slip opens locked doors without protective edging or specialty latches.
• Straight Edge: Use Pocket Monkey to help you draw a perfect straight line. Or, it can even be used a scraper.
• Orange peeler and banana nicker: Get your fruit open quickly and conveniently, without getting your fingernails messy.

YES, I have used them all. I had to TRY the product to make sure I have a reason to get excited. Once I did I got one for my dad who is a who works in Silicon Valley and my roommate ordered one. Now it’s a staple in my purse.

What makes it different from EVERY other uitli-tool? Well, the original Kickstarter.com amount was $2,000. It raised a whopping $27,550. The pocket Monkey is also lightweight and fits in your wallet or purse sans the bulk you get from so many utili-tools out there.

I am sick of something weighing two pounds in my pocket when I am working around the house, on the car, or am out and about. It’s TSA compliant so leave it in your wallet. You don’t have to worry about them stealing your precious Pocket Monkey from you.

Are you sold yet? Good. Go get yourself a Pocket Monkey here;

http://zootilitytools.com/

Best part? It costs a whole $12!!

Check out the original Kickstarter video below.

‘Mustache – The Legend’ by IJPhotography

‘summer’ by aynurdereli

Original fine art photography of the Milan Central Train Station: Milano Centrale (Italy), signed by me on the back.

TITLE: Take me where I belong
SIZE: 12x 12″

Professionally printed on premium luster paper ensuring vivid colors and sharpness.

Enter my shop here and quickly check the color scheme for this photo:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JeSuisunLapin

My favourite pieces from this treasury are the pink satchel by Titina Store neon Art Deco bib by Fab Parlour , which manages to combine the current Gatsby-related fad for Art Deco with the more up-to-date neon thing. Hmm, could Gatsby be the inspiration for the next trend-related treasury I do, I wonder?

‘Neon pastels for summer 2013′ by cuttlefishlove

inspired by Simone Rocha and Sister by Sibling, this collection features neon pastels, lace, pattern and perspex

1950s party dress / bright n… FiregypsyVinta… $59.82	Neon Art Deco Bib Statement … FabParlor $40	Pastel Geometric Pouch,Hand… Bagssalon $19.5	Neon lace earrings – Poison … thisilk $30
Abstract art print – Mosaic … villavera $29	Neon Pom Pom Trio Necklace /… FableAndLore $30	Spandex Bandeau Spandex Biki… 2BeRoxy $23	neon pastel pink cross body … TitinaStore $48
Hand Made Neon Fluoro Orange… jennyekberg $29	Brooch. Scarf Pin. Recycled … jemicaostrofsk… $35	Tie Up Hairscarf Headband Li… andreacreates $14	Neon Pastel Striped Earrings rockspapermeta… $32
Neon Geometric Earrings ,La… LiKeGjewelry $10	vintage neon pink lace camis… sodafine $18	OrangeTattoo art earrings Baronyka $28.9	Aqua Blue Wood Geometric Ba… LiKeGjewelry $15

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